Juxtaposing the work of a selection of international contemporary artists such as William Kentridge, Kara Walker, Lotte Reiniger, Jockum Nordstrom and Nathalie Djurberg with the tradition of European shadow theater--particularly as it is practiced in Turkey and Greece, where it is still very much an active art form--this volume examines the historical use of shadows in art. Shadow theater is an oral tradition, based on folk tales and simple narratives expressed with an economy of means, that operates, in large part, on improvisation. It has served as a source of inspiration for a number of contemporary artists who have paid homage and appropriated the aesthetics of shadow plays in their work. Published in conjunction with an exhibition of the same name at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), Dublin, which will travel to Istanbul and Athens. This volume includes essays by critic Lewis Hyde, IMMA Director Enrique Juncosa and exhibition curator Paolo Colombo. This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.

Book Description:Edizioni Charta Srl, Italy, 2009. Hardback. Book Condition: New. 264 x 218 mm. Language: English Brand New Book. This volume offers a superbly illustrated look at the impact and influence of traditional shadow plays and puppets on contemporary art. This highly illustrated volume - produced for the exhibition of the same name held at the Irish Museum of Modern Art between November 2008 and January 2009 - focuses on shadows, shadow theatre, and silhouettes based on old folk tales and simple narratives, exploring the traditional art form of the shadow play and its influence on the world of contemporary art. In Praise of Shadows brings together the key works of eight contemporary artists and two filmmakers from around the world - including William Kentridge, Kara Walker, and Jockum Nordstrum - to provide a rich and detailed analysis of this popular tradition. Bookseller Inventory # LIO9788881587148